Frustration for the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are likely feeling immense frustration as this season was supposed to be a turning point. Kawhi Leonard ended the season healthy, and James Harden performed well at 35, even making the All-Star team. Despite an infamous collapse in elimination games, he had a decent playoff run overall. Moreover, Ivica Zubac was in contention for an All-NBA slot, and the offseason acquisitions were nearly perfect. They peaked at the right time, finishing the regular season with a remarkable 18-3 record and becoming a favored dark horse for the Western Conference title. This was their year.
Disappointing First-Round Exit
Yet, they fell in the first round to the Nuggets, a team that has historically plagued them during the Leonard era, and who seems to be at an inflection point themselves. The Clippers didn’t lose to a championship-caliber Nuggets team from 2023 but to a version of the Nuggets that had just fired their coach and GM. Even when the Clippers had their best season, it wasn’t enough to surpass a Nuggets team experiencing its worst season. This raises questions about their standing in the league with the rising Thunder, who may be ascending to another level altogether.
Evaluating the Season
Assessing this season for the Clippers is quite challenging. Historically, this franchise has secured 50 wins only seven times. Given the context—especially with Paul George departing and many writing off this era—it could be argued that this was the most uplifting regular season the Clippers have ever had. They opened their new arena with flair and silenced many skeptics. However, the ultimate goal remains the championship trophy in June, and now, with May just beginning, the Clippers are already out of the playoffs.
Future Plans and Challenges
This situation leaves the Clippers in a precarious position. Some fans may call for a full rebuild, but that seems impractical. With Leonard’s injury history and Harden’s playoff performance, trading significant assets for either player wouldn’t be justified. They were close to resolving their obligation to the Thunder before acquiring Harden, but now they won’t control their own draft pick until 2030. Thus, tanking or a proper rebuild isn’t really an option.
Investing in the Team
Should they double down on their current roster? Aside from the Nuggets series embarrassment, this past season could warrant further investment. They possess two tradable first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, which could allow them to seek reinforcements. However, finding those reinforcements is complicated. While not much bad money is on the books—aside from Drew Eubanks‘s non-guaranteed contract—modifications could mean losing a valuable player like Jaren Jackson Jr.
Looking Ahead
The immediate need for the Clippers is an additional reliable shot creator without disturbing their solid defense. While options like Anfernee Simons could fit the bill, they might disrupt their established strengths. A traditional backup center could also benefit the team. Ultimately, they’ll need solutions that fit within the context of their existing roster, yet those aren’t straightforward. Compounded by concerns about Harden’s performance at age 36 and Leonard’s health, their current levels of stability are uncertain.
The main question going forward is whether they can bring in another star to support and later replace their aging core. With only two first-round picks for trading purposes, it’s a tall order. Options that come with significant risks, such as Zion Williamson or Ja Morant, could indeed reshape their roster significantly. As appealing as this season was, it mirrors prior seasons where the roster tried to avoid stagnation while waiting for potential stars to become available.
